WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHECKUP?

A Virtual Energy Efficiency Checkup (VEEC) is a safe, efficient way to evaluate a customer’s energy use. The checkup provides insight on their energy efficiency and helps the customer better understand their energy usage. It’s an easy way to help customers save energy AND money. As COVID-19 continues to change the way we interact with and provide services to customers, these virtual checkups will increasingly be seen as a safe alternative and value-add for customers.

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHEDULING A VIRTUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHECKUP?

  • Customer MUST have a smart phone or tablet device with a functioning camera
  • Customer should have a good WiFi or cell phone signal at the home to be inspected
  • At least one of the video platforms below MUST be installed and tested in advance on the phone or tablet being used by the customer for the EEC:
    • FaceTime
    • Google Duo
    • Ring Central
    • Zoom

PREPARING FOR A VIRTUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHECKUP

The Town/City will schedule the VEEC appointment with the customer, providing all relevant customer contact
info, including:

  • Confirmed date and time of VEEC
  • Customer’s phone number and email address
  • Customer’s 1-year Energy Usage Report
  • Customer’s Phone preference:
    • iPhone
    • Android
  • Customer’s Video platform preference:
    • FaceTime
    • Google Duo
    • Ring Central
    • Zoom

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE VIRTUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHECKUP

  • Using a smartphone, the customer will be connected to a ElectriCities Certified Energy Advisor.
  • Be prepared to use your phone or tablet camera in various areas inside and outside the home, including the attic, basement, and/or crawlspace.
  • The virtual walk-through or checkup will take roughly one hour, looking both inside and outside the home.
  • The Energy Advisor will be looking at the following: Insulation levels, air infiltration leaks, appliances (water heater, space heater, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, thermostats, etc.), heating/cooling system, air filters, attic pull down steps (if applicable), and any other health or safety concerns.

WHAT WILL CUSTOMERS RECEIVE AFTER THE VIRTUAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHECKUP?

Each customer will receive a detailed report of their checkup along with our energy saving recommendations. This can be either mailed or emailed. In addition, we’ll send each participating customer an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit containing a digital thermometer, three LED bulbs, furnace filter whistle, and self-stick weather strip.

Do you Qualify to Participate?

Virtual Energy Efficiency Checkups are for customers of ElectriCities of North Carolina public power communities (NCEMPA and NCMPA1 power agency members). To find out if you are in a qualifying public power community and are eligible to participate, visit our member list or call your power provider located on your electric utility bill.

Meet the Energy Advisors

Brian McGinn

Brian McGinn

Brian McGinn is the Lead Residential Energy Advisor for Electricities. Since 2006, Brian has worked throughout NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA), delivering thousands of residential energy audits to help our members conserve energy. Brian’s Energy Efficiency Checkups provide customized recommendations and energy education tips. In addition to the energy checkups, Brian promotes and helps teach Customer Service training classes, attends community energy events and workshops, and delivers energy efficiency training to Member cities. When not crawling in attics to inspect insulation levels, Brian enjoys painting, photography, and leather work.

Brian McGinn, REA, AEE
Lead Residential Energy Advisor
ElectriCities of NC, Inc.
1427 Meadow Wood Blvd.
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Mobile: 919-218-8016
John Keever

John Keever

John's more than 30-year career began in the HVAC industry before moving into the electric utility industry at ElectriCities of North Carolina. John Keever serves as the Lead Residential Energy Specialist for ElectriCities working with the NC Electric Municipal Agency #1 (NCMPA1) providing heat pump, water heater, and Energy Star new homes rebates, as well as Energy Efficiency Checkups. He also provides energy efficiency education to member cities through workshops, public events, and training seminars.

John D. Keever, CRT, HHS, KPPAE, REA
Lead Energy Services Specialist
ElectriCities of NC, Inc.
P.O. Box 2819
Huntersville, NC 28078
Mobile: 704-791-0936